What I Miss Most: Chasing The Dream
Team's national aspirations on hold for men's golfer
Davis Bryant
In their own words, Colorado State student-athletes share what they miss as the coronavirus pandemic has put life on hold globally
As I reflect on this difficult situation at home in Aurora, Colo., I miss several things in my college experience.
One being the ability to compete as a Colorado State Ram. There is nothing like the feeling of teeing it up in green and gold with the boys. Traveling from tournament to tournament competing each week against the top teams in the country is a luxury as a student-athlete. The last event we played in was in San Diego, Calif., at San Diego Country Club where we finished seventh out of 20 teams. We arrived back in Ram Country the next day when we heard the news about the remainder of the season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the next few days went on, I felt a variety of emotions, such as: disappointment, frustration, confusion, and sadness.
When we had our first team meeting back in August, coach Christian Newton discussed the depth we have on our roster and how the bar has been raised for CSU men’s golf the past few years. We had our eyes on the National Championship since the start, and for that to be cut short is extremely devastating. I miss talking on the course with both Coach Newton and assistant coach Parker Edens about shot and decision making as we plotted our way around every course. There isn’t a better feeling than teeing it up as a Ram in a tournament across the country or in Fort Collins for team qualifying. The rush of competitive golf will be on hold for a while, but I will be ready when we return.
There is nothing like the feeling of teeing it up in green and gold with the boys. Traveling from tournament to tournament competing each week against the top teams in the country is a luxury as a student-athlete.Davis Bryant, CSU Men's Golfer
I miss my teammates and being around the guys everyday whether it’s at workouts, practice or team meals. One of the first things that came to my mind was my buddy AJ Ott. He is a senior and this was his final year to compete at the Division 1 level, and I am bummed we are unable to chase the “Big Trophy” together. I have known him for 5-plus years since I started playing junior golf against him in Colorado, and we have developed a great relationship since my freshman year. He has been a huge part of CSU men’s golf since he arrived on campus and I hope he gets the chance to come back next year. I miss the laughs with the guys, the van rides from airports to hotels, and team meetings before events to talk about the strategy for each course and how we plan to achieve success.
I miss meeting new people in my classes every day and walking around campus in the beautiful state of Colorado. As summer approaches, I won’t be there to watch the grass turn green and get more and more excited about summer golf and the post season. One thing I love about CSU and being an athlete is the rush to get from class to class and the busyness of my schedule every day. The demanding challenge that student-athletes are faced with, is something I’ve learned so much from and will continue to do as we get ready for next season. I miss waking up for workouts, grabbing breakfast with my team, taking a quick shower then heading to three hours of classes. From there, eating a quick lunch and practicing for four hours is something that I will miss until next fall. I miss being on my own, balancing all my responsibilities and having a fresh, positive mindset to continue to be the best person and teammate I can be.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy break during this difficult time and hope to see everyone soon.